[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 70 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E728-E729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE U.S. BORDER PATROL'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2014

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
United States Border Patrol's 90th anniversary of its founding.
  First established as the Mounted Guard, founding members came from a 
large number of disparate groups that included Texas Rangers, sheriffs, 
and deputized cowboys who patrolled the Texas frontier looking for 
smugglers, rustlers, and people illegally entering the United States.
  A Department of Labor Appropriation Act on May 28, 1924, formally 
established the U.S. Border Patrol with an initial force of 450 Patrol 
Inspectors, each patrolman responsible for furnishing his own horse.
  Prohibition radically changed the role of the early Border Patrol due 
to the rampant smuggling of alcohol across the borders. As a result, a 
formal training regime was initiated for this young organization at 
Camp Chigas in El Paso, Texas.
  In August 1942, the Border Patrol's emblem was officially designated 
with a circular solid navy blue background surrounded by yellow with 
the continental United States centered in the middle with the words 
``U.S. BORDER PATROL'' embossed in yellow on top, becoming a highly 
recognizable emblem worldwide.
  The original emblem is still in use and is worn proudly by the men 
and women of the Border Patrol on all of their uniforms. The motto of 
the U.S. Border Patrol, ``Honor First,'' grew out of the dedication and 
actions of the first men who called themselves U.S. Border Patrol 
Inspectors, later to be known as U.S. Border Patrol Agents.
  In the past 90 years, Border Patrol Agents have enforced our Nation's 
immigration laws, provided border security, responded to civil 
disturbances, acted as air marshals, assisted State and local law 
enforcement, trained foreign officers, and provided humanitarian 
assistance. The present force of over 21,000 agents, located in 139 
stations within 20 sectors across the southern and northern borders has 
been given an immense responsibility--protecting more than 8,000 miles 
of international land and water boundaries.
  Whether dealing with the problem of illegal immigration or facing the 
threat of international terrorism, Border Patrol agents continue to be 
known for their dedication to duty, integrity, ingenuity, and rugged 
determination.
  The threats have changed over the years but their commitment to the 
mission has remained steadfast. For nearly one hundred years, they have 
protected the Nation's borders in unforgiving terrain against all who 
would do us harm.
  Let us never forget the dangerous nature of this work--118 agents and 
pilots have given their lives in the line of duty.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, I want to commend the men and women 
of the Border Patrol for their many years of service and wish them a 
happy 90th anniversary.
  Honor First.

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